Chapter Text
The sun had barely peeked over the skyline of Seoul as students at Korea National University shuffled into their respective classes. The campus, a sprawling blend of modern glass buildings and traditional Korean architecture, was alive with the chatter of students preparing for the day. In the journalism department, Hanni Pham, a third-year student, sat in her usual seat at the back of the class, absentmindedly tapping her pen against her notebook.
It had been an exhausting few weeks, with deadlines looming and projects piling up. Hanni had just managed to survive midterms, and she was hoping for a lighter workload moving forward. But as Professor Lee strode to the front of the lecture hall, Hanni knew her hopes were about to be dashed.
“Good morning, everyone,” Professor Lee began, his voice booming with the authority of someone who had been in the journalism game for decades. “I hope you're all rested and ready for the final stretch of the semester, because today I'm assigning your major individual project. This will be 60 percent of your final grade, so I expect nothing but your best work.”
Hanni straightened up in her seat, her stomach knotting. The final project had been the talk of the department for weeks, and she’d been dreading it. As much as she loved journalism, these big assignments always felt like an uphill battle.
Professor Lee continued, “Your task is simple but challenging. You'll each be assigned a notable figure from our university to profile. This could be a professor, an athlete, or even a prominent member of the student body. The goal is to go beyond the surface. I want in-depth, insightful pieces that capture the essence of the person you're profiling.”
Hanni’s mind raced with possibilities. Maybe she'd get to interview someone interesting, like a professor known for their groundbreaking research or a student activist. But as Professor Lee handed out the assignment sheets, her optimism quickly faded.
Her eyes skimmed the paper, and her heart sank: Kim Minji – National Swimming Champion.
Of all the people on campus, it had to be her. Kim Minji was a third-year student like Hanni, but their paths had never really crossed. From what Hanni knew, Minji was practically a legend in the athletics department, with a string of championships and accolades under her belt. She was also notoriously difficult to approach. Cold, distant, and blunt, Minji had a reputation for shutting down anyone who tried to get close, including journalists. Many had tried to interview her before, and all had failed spectacularly.
Hanni had heard the stories—Minji would barely acknowledge interview requests, sometimes turning down meetings with nothing more than a clipped, “No thanks,” or worse, a stare that could freeze over the Han River. How on earth was she supposed to complete this assignment?
She slumped back in her chair, letting out a soft groan. As the class wrapped up, Professor Lee gave them one last piece of advice. “Remember, persistence is key. The best stories often come from the most difficult subjects.”
Hanni barely heard him. Her mind was already swimming with anxiety about the impossible task ahead.
After class, Hanni trudged to the campus cafeteria, still reeling from the news. The usual lunchtime chaos filled the air—students laughing, the clatter of trays, the buzz of conversation. It was normally a place where Hanni could unwind, but today it felt overwhelming. She grabbed a tray, picked up some food she barely looked at, and made her way to the table where her two best friends, Danielle and Hyein, were waiting.
Danielle, a third-year music student, sat with her usual calm demeanor, her head resting in her hand as she scrolled through her phone. Her auburn hair caught the sunlight streaming through the cafeteria windows, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Hyein, a second-year engineering student, was already halfway through her sandwich, wearing a mischievous grin as she looked up at Hanni.
“Oh no, what happened this time?” Hyein said as soon as Hanni dropped into her seat with a dramatic sigh.
“Don’t even get me started,” Hanni groaned, rubbing her temples. “You won’t believe the assignment I got.”
Danielle looked up from her phone, concern immediately washing over her face. “Is it bad?”
“It’s not just bad,” Hanni replied, her voice rising in frustration. “It’s Kim Minji.”
Hyein nearly choked on her sandwich, bursting into laughter. “You mean the so-called Permafrost of Korea National? Oh, this is too good.”
Hanni shot her a glare. “Hyein, I’m serious. How am I supposed to interview her? She doesn’t talk to anyone! She barely looks at people, let alone gives them the time of day.”
Hyein stifled a laugh, still grinning. “This is going to be hilarious. I can’t wait to see you try.”
“You’re not helping,” Hanni muttered, stabbing at her food with her fork. “This is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Danielle, ever the empathetic one, reached out and patted Hanni on the arm. “It’s going to be okay. You’re a great journalist. If anyone can find a way to get through to her, it’s you.”
“Thanks, Dani,” Hanni said, her voice softening a little. “But this isn’t just some tough interview. This is Kim Minji we’re talking about. The girl who could probably win a staring contest with a statue.”
Hyein snickered. “And don’t forget how she practically vaporized that reporter last year with one look. What was it she said again? ‘No comment,’ and then just walked away like she didn’t even hear the question.”
Hanni groaned again, burying her face in her hands. “Exactly! I’m doomed.”
Danielle smiled sympathetically. “Maybe she’s just misunderstood. I mean, she can’t be that bad if Haerin’s friends with her, right?”
At the mention of Kang Haerin, Hanni perked up slightly. Haerin, also a third-year and a star swimmer like Minji, was one of the few people Minji actually seemed to talk to. Haerin had a much more laid-back and approachable vibe, and, more importantly, she was dating Danielle. Maybe that connection could help Hanni get a foot in the door?
“Haerin…” Hanni mumbled, her thoughts drifting. “Do you think she could help?”
Danielle shrugged. “I mean, I can ask her. But I don’t know how much she’ll be able to do. Minji’s pretty private, even with her closest friends.”
“Great,” Hanni sighed. “So, I can’t even use my best friend’s girlfriend to get an interview. Fantastic.”
Hyein grinned again. “You’re screwed.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Hanni tossed her fork onto her plate and leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. “I swear, Professor Lee has it out for me. He knows how hard it is to get to Minji. This is like, journalism suicide.”
Danielle shook her head. “I don’t think he’s targeting you. He probably just wants to challenge you. Maybe he thinks you’re good enough to handle this.”
“Or he just drew names out of a hat,” Hyein interjected.
“More like he threw darts at a board,” Hanni muttered darkly.
Danielle stifled a laugh and gave Hanni another comforting look. “You’ll figure it out, okay? You always do. Just… start small. Maybe there’s a way to approach her that hasn’t been tried yet.”
“I’ll need a miracle,” Hanni grumbled. “Or an invisibility cloak. Either one works.”
“Have you thought about just hanging around the pool?” Hyein suggested with a shrug. “She has to show up there eventually, right?”
“Yeah, and get ignored for the hundredth time?” Hanni shot back, exasperated. “I don’t know if my pride can handle it.”
Hyein chuckled, unfazed by Hanni’s mood. “Well, you’d better get used to it, babe. Sounds like you’re in for a long semester of rejection.”
Hanni rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the truth in Hyein’s words. No matter how daunting this assignment seemed, she couldn’t just give up. It was a major project, after all, and failing it wasn’t an option. But how was she supposed to write an in-depth profile of someone who acted like a fortress with a ‘no entry’ sign hanging at the front gate?
Danielle gave her a reassuring smile. “We’re here for you, Pham. If you need help or just someone to vent to, you’ve got us.”
Hanni smiled weakly. “Thanks, Dani. I’m gonna need all the help I can get.”
Hyein raised her glass in a mock toast. “Here’s to Pham Hanni—may she break the permafrost cold heart, or at least get a decent interview.”
Hanni groaned again, but this time there was a small smile playing on her lips. Despite the daunting task ahead, she knew she could rely on her friends to keep her sane. And maybe, just maybe, with a little persistence and a lot of luck, she might find a way to crack Kim Minji’s icy shell.
But for now, all she could do was plan, hope, and prepare herself for what was sure to be one of the toughest assignments of her life.
It was late. Too late for most students to be anywhere but tucked away in their dorms or at least winding down in the comfort of their rooms. But not Hanni Pham. Instead, she found herself walking across the quiet campus of Korea National University, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her jacket as the cool night air nipped at her cheeks. The usually bustling pathways were now eerily silent, lit only by the soft glow of the streetlights.
She was on a mission—a mission that she already knew had slim chances of success. But this was her major project, and there was no way she could give up without at least trying.
As she neared the university’s sports complex, the sound of water splashing filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic strokes of swimming. This was it—where Kim Minji, the infamous Permafrost, trained almost religiously. If there was any time to catch her, it was during her nightly practice sessions.
Hanni pulled out her phone, her thumb hovering over the screen. She opened her chat with Danielle, her fingers flying across the keys in a nervous rush.
phamyapper: Is Haerin with Minji in the pool rn?
She bit her lip, pacing outside the entrance to the pool complex, her heart pounding in her chest. If Haerin was there, maybe Hanni had a shot. Maybe Minji wouldn’t be quite so cold if her best friend—and Danielle’s girlfriend—was around.
A moment later, her phone buzzed with a reply.
kangdani: Yeah, she’s definitely there. Haerin has practice every night. But no need to text her. She doesn’t check her phone during training, lol. I know her schedule by heart <3
Hanni exhaled sharply. She knew Danielle was right. There was no point in bothering Haerin. If anything, it would just add another layer of awkwardness. Haerin would already feel bad enough seeing Hanni’s inevitable failure. But what choice did she have? This was her best shot, and if it didn’t work, she didn’t know when she’d get another chance.
With a deep breath, Hanni steeled herself and pushed open the door to the pool.
Inside, the air was warm and humid, a sharp contrast to the cool night outside. The smell of chlorine immediately hit her, and the soft echo of water splashing filled the expansive space. The pool itself was brightly lit, its blue water glistening under the fluorescent lights.
And there, in one of the lanes, was Kim Minji.
Even in the water, there was something unmistakable about her presence. Her lean, muscular frame cut through the water with precision and grace, her strokes smooth and powerful. Each movement was practiced, controlled, like she had done this a thousand times before—because she probably had.
Standing by the edge of the pool, with a stopwatch in hand, was Haerin. She glanced up as soon as Hanni approached, her eyes widening slightly in recognition. There was a flicker of something that looked like sympathy, but Haerin didn’t say anything. She knew why Hanni was here, and she also knew how this was likely going to end.
Hanni hesitated for a moment, watching as Minji reached the end of the lane and flipped, pushing off the wall in one fluid motion, her body cutting through the water effortlessly. It was almost mesmerizing to watch, but Hanni had to snap herself out of it.
This was her chance.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Hanni stepped forward, her voice shaky but determined. “Kim Minji?”
Nothing.
Minji didn’t so much as glance in her direction. She just continued her strokes, focused solely on her training, as if Hanni didn’t exist. Hanni felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Maybe Minji hadn’t heard her.
She tried again, this time louder. “Minji, can I talk to you for a second?”
Still no response. The only sound was the rhythmic splashing of the water as Minji continued swimming lap after lap. Hanni’s fingers clenched into fists at her sides, the frustration bubbling up inside her. This was ridiculous. She wasn’t some random reporter trying to get a scoop—she was a student, with a genuine project to complete. Did Minji have to be so... impossible?
Just as Hanni was about to raise her voice again, Minji finished another lap and pulled herself out of the pool, water dripping from her body as she stood at the edge. Hanni’s breath hitched slightly. It wasn’t just that Minji was intimidating—it was the aura she exuded, one of complete and utter indifference to everything and everyone around her.
Minji grabbed her towel and wrapped it around her shoulders before finally acknowledging Hanni—though not in the way Hanni had hoped. She didn’t even look at her. Instead, without so much as glancing her way, Minji’s voice cut through the silence with a single word.
“No.”
It was cold, detached, and final.
Hanni stood there, stunned. She hadn’t even had a chance to explain herself, and Minji had already dismissed her. The word hung in the air between them, harsh and absolute. For a moment, Hanni felt like she’d been slapped in the face.
Before she could gather her thoughts or attempt to respond, Minji turned her attention to Haerin, as if Hanni weren’t even standing there.
“How many more laps?” Minji asked, her voice calm and steady, as if she hadn’t just crushed Hanni’s hopes in a single syllable.
Haerin glanced down at the stopwatch in her hand, her expression apologetic as she looked at Hanni for a brief second before answering Minji. “You’ve got ten more to go.”
Minji nodded, her face betraying no emotion. “Good,” she said simply, before turning and diving back into the pool without another word.
Hanni stood frozen, her mouth slightly open, not quite believing what had just happened. She’d been prepared for a challenge, but she hadn’t expected Minji to be this dismissive. It wasn’t just a rejection—it was as if Hanni didn’t exist at all.
Haerin, clearly feeling bad for her girlfriend’s friend, walked over, her footsteps soft against the tiled floor. “I’m really sorry, Hanni,” she said, her voice quiet but sincere. “Minji... she’s just... like that.”
Hanni let out a shaky laugh, more from disbelief than amusement. “Yeah, I noticed.”
Haerin sighed, her eyes darting to the pool where Minji was already halfway through another lap. “I wish I could help, but... when Minji says no, it’s a final no. She’s not someone who changes her mind easily.”
“Not easily?” Hanni repeated, the frustration in her voice evident. “She didn’t even give me a chance to explain.”
“I know,” Haerin said, her tone sympathetic. “Trust me, I’ve seen this happen before. She’s not trying to be mean. It’s just... how she is.”
Hanni rubbed her temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache forming. “I don’t get it. What’s the deal with her? Why is she like this?”
Haerin glanced over at the pool again, watching Minji as she swam, her strokes powerful and precise. “She’s just... focused. Swimming is everything to her. She doesn’t like distractions. And to her, anything outside of the pool is a distraction.”
“Great,” Hanni muttered, shaking her head. “So what am I supposed to do? I can’t exactly write a profile on someone who won’t even give me two seconds of her time.”
Haerin offered her a small, apologetic smile. “I wish I had an answer for you. But if it helps, I don’t think it’s personal. Minji’s like this with everyone.”
Hanni let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. “I don’t know what to do, Haerin. This project is my entire grade, and I’m already off to the worst possible start.”
Haerin placed a comforting hand on Hanni’s shoulder. “You’re persistent, Hanni. I know you’ll figure something out. Maybe there’s another way to get her to open up.”
“Yeah, if I could find the secret code to unlock her,” Hanni mumbled, her voice tinged with sarcasm. “Because right now, it feels like I’m banging my head against a wall.”
Haerin chuckled softly. “I know it seems impossible, but Minji’s not completely heartless. She’s just... complicated.”
Hanni gave her a weak smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks, Haerin. I appreciate you trying to help. Even if there’s nothing you can really do.”
“I wish there was,” Haerin replied, her gaze softening. “But I’m here if you ever need to talk. And maybe, just maybe, with enough time and patience, Minji will surprise you.”
Hanni raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “I’m not holding my breath.”
With that, Haerin offered one last sympathetic glance before turning her attention back to Minji’s laps. Hanni, feeling defeated and more than a little frustrated, gave a small wave and left the pool area, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.
As she stepped back into the cool night air, Hanni’s mind raced with questions. How was she supposed to get through to someone like Minji? And more importantly, how was she going to write an entire profile on someone who refused to say more than one word to her?
The campus was even quieter now, the stillness amplifying the turmoil in Hanni’s mind. She pulled out her phone again, staring at the empty message screen. Maybe she should text Danielle, vent about how impossible this task seemed.
But instead, she slipped her phone back into her pocket, letting out a long sigh. There was no point in complaining. She had a job to do, and somehow, some way, she was going to get through to Minji.
Even if it felt like an impossible mission.
The following day, Hanni found herself seated in Professor Lee’s lecture hall once again. It was one of her more laid-back classes, but after last night’s encounter with Minji, everything felt tense. She couldn’t shake the awkwardness of what happened at the pool. The silence. The cold dismissal. The single word: No.
The professor droned on about the intricacies of media profiles and narrative storytelling, but Hanni’s mind wandered, replaying the scene over and over again. Each time, the sting of rejection felt sharper.
How do I even start a profile on someone who won’t say more than one word to me?
When the class finally ended, Professor Lee called out, “Hanni, could you stay for a moment?”
Hanni winced. Of course. Now he’s going to check in on the project and ask how everything’s going. She had dreaded this exact moment since last night.
She gathered her things, taking her time, hoping that maybe he’d forget. But, when the classroom emptied and it was just her and Professor Lee, he motioned for her to come over.
“Hanni, how’s your major project going?” he asked, his voice kind but carrying an edge of expectation.
Hanni managed a nervous smile, standing awkwardly by his desk. “Uh, it’s... well, it’s going.”
Professor Lee raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound too convincing.”
Hanni sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “It’s just that... well, I’m sure you’ve heard about Kim Minji.”
Professor Lee gave her a knowing look. “Ah, Minji. Yes, she has a bit of a reputation, doesn’t she? You’re not the first to struggle with her.”
“Struggle is an understatement,” Hanni muttered under her breath. “I’ve barely gotten her to acknowledge me, let alone say anything useful for my project.”
“I see.” Professor Lee leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Minji’s... focused. She’s a brilliant athlete, but not the most approachable person outside of her sport. That being said, she’s still your subject, and you’ll need to find a way to break through.”
"I know, but it's just—" Hanni hesitated, unsure how much to share. "I mean, she straight up ignored me last night. I asked to talk to her, and she just said 'no.' And that was it. She went right back to her laps."
Professor Lee’s lips curled into a small, sympathetic smile. “That sounds like Minji, alright. But here’s the thing, Hanni—you’re a talented writer. I wouldn’t have assigned you Minji if I didn’t think you could handle it. This project is about more than just getting quotes. It’s about understanding your subject and finding a way to tell their story, even if they’re not forthcoming.”
Hanni let out a long breath. “So, you’re saying I have to keep trying.”
“Exactly. Persistence is key.” Professor Lee gave her an encouraging nod. “Find another angle. Approach her differently. You’ve got time, but don’t give up. The best profiles often come from the hardest subjects.”
Hanni forced a smile, though she wasn’t feeling particularly optimistic. “Thanks, Professor Lee. I’ll do my best.”
“I know you will,” he replied, his tone full of confidence. “And if you need any advice, feel free to reach out.”
With that, Hanni left the classroom, her mind swirling with thoughts. She appreciated Professor Lee’s faith in her, but faith wasn’t going to make Minji talk to her. And with each passing day, the deadline for the project loomed closer.
Persistence, she thought to herself. Fine. I’ll keep trying.
Later that afternoon, Hanni met up with her friends in the cafeteria, hoping some casual conversation would take her mind off everything.
The usual group was there—Danielle, her best friend, always ready to lend an ear, and Hyein, who had a unique talent for turning any situation into comedic material.
As Hanni approached their table, Danielle waved her over with a bright smile. “Hey! How’s it going?”
Hanni plopped down beside her with a groan. “How’s it going? Well, let’s see. Yesterday, I got completely rejected by that Permafrost, and today my professor subtly reminded me that if I don’t crack her, my project is doomed.”
Danielle’s expression softened immediately. Without a word, she pulled Hanni into a tight hug, squeezing her with the kind of warmth only a best friend could provide. Hanni leaned into the embrace, letting herself melt for a moment.
“Thanks dani,” Hanni mumbled into Danielle’s shoulder.
Danielle chuckled softly. “You needed that.”
“I really did.”
Hyein, sitting across from them, couldn’t resist. “So, Minji rejected you? Big shocker there,” she said with a smirk. “What, did you think she’d just open her arms and start spilling her life story?”
Hanni shot her a look. “No, but maybe I was hoping for more than a single ‘no’ and her disappearing into the pool.”
Hyein snorted. “Please. Minji’s coldness could top Antarctica. I wouldn’t be surprised if she made penguins uncomfortable.”
Danielle shot her a disapproving glance. “Hyein, that’s not helping.”
Hyein raised her hands in mock defense. “Hey, I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. Minji is notoriously impossible. You can’t expect her to warm up just because you’re nice.”
Hanni let out a sigh. “I know. But what am I supposed to do? This project is literally my entire grade.”
“Maybe you could find another angle?” Danielle suggested, her voice gentle as she released Hanni from the hug. “Like Professor Lee said, it’s not always about direct interviews. Maybe you can find out more about Minji through other people?”
Hanni’s shoulders slumped. “Yeah, I guess. But I still need her to cooperate at some point. The project is supposed to be a personal profile. It’s not going to work if she doesn’t give me anything.”
Hyein leaned forward, her tone suddenly more serious. “Look, as much as I love making fun of Minji’s iciness, you’re gonna have to find a way to melt that. I’ve seen her interact with Haerin and a few others—she’s not completely heartless. It’s just... gonna take time.”
Hanni groaned again, burying her face in her hands. “Time is the one thing I don’t have.”
“You’ll figure it out,” Hyein said, surprisingly sincere. Then, to Hanni’s surprise, Hyein stood up, walked around the table, and pulled her into an awkward but heartfelt hug. “Don’t stress. We’ve got your back.”
Hanni blinked in surprise, not used to Hyein being so affectionate. “Uh, thanks?”
Hyein stepped back quickly, her usual sass returning. “Don’t get used to that. I have a reputation to uphold.”
Danielle laughed, shaking her head. “Hyein’s secretly a softie.”
“Only when absolutely necessary,” Hyein quipped, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair.
Hanni chuckled despite herself, feeling a little lighter with her friends around. It didn’t solve her Minji problem, but at least she wasn’t facing it alone.
“I appreciate you guys,” she said, her voice soft.
“We know,” Danielle replied with a smile. “And we’ll help however we can.”
Hanni smiled weakly, the stress still heavy on her shoulders but feeling a little more bearable. “I just... I don’t know what to do next. How do I approach her again without her completely shutting me down?”
“Maybe go for something casual?” Danielle suggested. “Like, don’t make it obvious you’re there for the project. Just... talk to her. Maybe if she sees you as a person instead of an assignment, she’ll let her guard down.”
Hyein nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, Minji’s not a robot. Maybe if you don’t come at her with ‘work’ stuff, she’ll be less icy.”
Hanni considered their advice, her mind racing. Maybe they’re right. She had been approaching Minji with the sole focus of getting information for her project. Maybe what she needed to do was stop treating Minji like a task and just talk to her.
It was worth a shot.
“Okay,” Hanni said slowly, a new resolve building inside her. “I’ll try again. But this time, I’ll take it slow.”
Danielle grinned, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. “That’s the spirit.”
“And if she still shuts you down,” Hyein added with a teasing smile, “at least we’ll be here to mock you lovingly.”
Hanni rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Hyein. That’s... so reassuring.”
Hyein winked. “Anytime.”
As the conversation drifted into lighter topics, Hanni felt a sense of hope returning. She had no idea how she was going to get Minji to talk, but she had her friends—and that was enough to keep her going.
Even if it meant facing that so-called Permafrost one more time.